23-December-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

CURBS KICK IN ON CARS, CONSTRUCTION AS AIR QUALITY WORSENS AGAIN

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Amid worsening air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), stringent anti-pollution measures have been enforced, targeting key contributors to the deteriorating environmental conditions. The Centre for Air Quality Monitoring (CAQM) has initiated immediate restrictions, encompassing construction activities and vehicular emissions, aiming to curb pollution levels.

Unfavorable Meteorological Conditions:

• Recent days of respite from pollution are disrupted by unfavorable meteorological conditions, including fog, haze, and low wind speed.
• The sudden spike in pollution levels prompts the implementation of stringent measures to address the escalating environmental crisis.

Restrictions Under ‘Stage 3’ of GRAP:

• The CAQM directs the enforcement of anti-pollution measures under ‘Stage 3’ of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire NCR.
• Specific actions include a ban on construction and demolition activities, excluding certain categories of projects, and restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in designated NCR districts.

Immediate Implementation:

• The restrictions, effective immediately, are intended to combat the surge in pollution levels attributed to adverse weather conditions.
• The respective State governments in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar are mandated to issue orders for the prompt implementation of these measures.

Air Quality Index (AQI) Update:

• Delhi’s AQI registers a sharp decline to 409 from 361, prompting heightened concern.
• Noida and Greater Noida witness ‘very poor’ AQI, while Faridabad and Gurugram fall into the ‘poor’ category.

Conclusion:

In response to the aggravated air quality situation, the immediate implementation of anti-pollution measures, focusing on construction and vehicular emissions, reflects a proactive approach. As environmental challenges persist, concerted efforts are required to mitigate the impact and safeguard public health.

KARNATAKA IS SET TO REVOKE BAN ON HIJAB IN CLASSROOMS

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Karnataka government, under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has announced its decision to revoke the ban on wearing hijab in classrooms, a controversial order imposed by the previous BJP government. This move follows legal battles and public protests surrounding the ban, with the Chief Minister emphasizing the importance of personal choice in matters of dress and food habits.

Revocation of Hijab Ban:

• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declares the withdrawal of the hijab ban order, asserting the right of individuals to choose their attire without restrictions.
• The previous BJP government had implemented the ban on hijab in educational institutions, triggering widespread political and public reactions.

Legal Battle and Ruling:

• Petitions challenging the hijab ban were filed in the Karnataka High Court, which ruled in favor of the State’s circular, emphasizing the importance of prescribed uniforms in educational institutions.
• The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the issue in 2022, and the case is currently pending before a larger Bench.

Chief Minister’s Perspective:

• Siddaramaiah highlights the personal nature of matters related to food habits and dress, drawing parallels with his choice of wearing a dhoti.
• The Chief Minister condemns the politicization of such issues, emphasizing the need to avoid divisive approaches for political gains.

Conclusion:

The decision to revoke the hijab ban in Karnataka reflects a commitment to individual freedom and choice in matters of personal expression. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s stance underscores the importance of avoiding political polarization on issues related to cultural and religious practices, promoting harmony in society. As the ban is lifted, the government aims to foster inclusivity and respect for diverse choices within educational institutions.

2024 WILL HAVE MORE SEVEN-JUDGE BENCHES HEARING CRUCIAL MATTERS IN SUPREME COURT

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Supreme Court is poised to witness an array of crucial matters in 2024, with several seven-judge Constitution Benches convened to deliberate on significant issues.

Seven-Judge Constitution Benches and Key Issues:

Money Bills and Enforcement Directorate Powers: Examining amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) passed as Money Bills, granting extensive powers to the Enforcement Directorate. The constitutional aspect revolves around whether such amendments circumventing the Rajya Sabha violate Article 110.

• Sub-Classification of Scheduled Castes and Tribes: Revisiting the contentious issue of whether States can sub-classify Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, challenging prior contradictory judgments.
• Speaker’s Authority in Disqualification Cases: Addressing the question of whether Speakers can adjudicate disqualification petitions under the Tenth Schedule while removal notices are pending, a matter arising from the Shiv Sena rift case.
• Breach of Privilege versus Fundamental Rights: Examining the interplay between the breach of privilege of legislatures and citizens’ fundamental rights.
• Criteria for Minority-Run Educational Institutions: Establishing criteria for an educational institution to be recognized as minority-run.
• Validity of State Laws on Sales Tax Surcharge: Scrutinizing the legality of State laws imposing surcharge on sales tax.

Conclusion:

The concentration of pivotal legal issues before seven-judge Constitution Benches reflects the Supreme Court’s commitment to addressing complex constitutional matters. The diverse range of topics underscores the significance of these cases in shaping legal precedents and ensuring constitutional clarity. As the New Year unfolds, these hearings are anticipated to contribute significantly to jurisprudence and constitutional interpretation.

MINISTRY HOLDS MEET WITH CMS OF NORTHEAST STATES OVER LAG IN DEVINE SCHEME

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) conducted a meeting with Chief Ministers from northeast states to address the sluggish progress of the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE). Despite an allocated amount of ₹6,600 crore for the scheme from 2022-23 to 2025-26, only nine projects worth ₹855.85 crore have been approved, prompting the Ministry to seek “feasible concept notes” for effective implementation.

Concerns and Review Meeting:

• Funds Allocation and Utilization: Out of ₹6,600 crore allocated, only 10% has been sanctioned, with limited progress on approved projects.
• Ministerial Meeting with CMs: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy held a virtual meeting to discuss project implementation and address challenges faced by the states in executing DevINE initiatives.
• Challenges in Manipur: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh highlighted substantial losses due to law and order issues and Internet shutdowns, hindering fresh proposals and detailed project reports submission.
• Arunachal Pradesh’s Perspective: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu emphasized the need to review projects and resolve implementation issues.

Conclusion:

The sluggish pace of the PM-DevINE scheme and the low utilization of allocated funds underscore the challenges in expediting development initiatives in the northeast. The meeting with Chief Ministers seeks to address bottlenecks, enhance project execution, and reinforce the scheme’s objectives. As the region’s holistic development remains a priority, concerted efforts are crucial to ensuring the effective utilization of allocated funds and the successful implementation of DevINE projects.

GOVERNMENT AIMS TO SET UP 17,000 CRECHES ACROSS INDIA

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – PIB

The Women and Child Development Ministry is embarking on an ambitious plan to establish 17,000 creches in anganwadis nationwide under the ‘Palna’ scheme. The initiative aims to enhance daycare facilities, particularly for the children of working women, fostering a conducive environment for their holistic development. With the approval of 5,222 creches, the Ministry intends to deploy two additional creche workers in each anganwadi, reinforcing its commitment to support working women across diverse sectors.

Key Initiatives Under ‘Palna’ Scheme:

• Objective: The ‘Palna’ scheme focuses on addressing the demand for high-quality daycare facilities to facilitate the nutritional, health, and cognitive development of children from all socio-economic backgrounds.
• Additional Workers: The plan involves assigning two extra creche workers and helpers to existing anganwadi setups, enhancing the capacity to cater to the growing needs of working mothers.
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): Union Minister Smriti Irani released a new SOP outlining a comprehensive framework for administering and implementing the ‘Palna’ scheme, emphasizing the roles and responsibilities of workers and a monitoring checklist.

Empowering Women in the Workforce:

• Increased Workforce Participation: The government reports a notable increase in women’s workforce participation, reaching 37% in 2022.
• Facilitating Economic Participation: ‘Palna’ aims to empower women engaged in various occupations, such as agriculture and construction, by providing a secure environment for their children while they pursue gainful employment.

Conclusion:

The commitment to establishing 17,000 creches aligns with the government’s vision of creating a supportive ecosystem for working women. The expansion of daycare facilities under the ‘Palna’ scheme reflects a comprehensive approach to address the evolving needs of families and promote women’s economic participation, fostering a more inclusive and empowered society.

ECI GUIDELINES ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS).

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The guidelines advocate a shift in political discourse towards respectful engagement for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), promoting their equal participation.

• Noteworthy points include the caution against derogatory references to PwDs, with potential legal consequences under Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, addressing punishments for such offenses.
• Emphasizing the use of rights-based terminologies aligned with the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), to which India is a signatory, the guidelines aim to uphold the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all PwDs.

UNESCO’S 2023 PRIX VERSAILLES

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru in Karnataka has received recognition at UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles, securing a place among the ‘World’s most beautiful airports.’

• The prestigious Prix Versailles, presented annually at UNESCO since 2015, celebrates outstanding contemporary architectural accomplishments globally.
• The accolade emphasizes intelligent sustainability principles, evaluating projects based on their ecological, social, and cultural impacts.
• Recognizing laureates for their contribution to enhancing the living environment, the award underscores the Kempegowda International Airport’s excellence in beautifying and improving the overall quality of the airport’s surroundings.